Welcome, friend! Get ready to discover a bold, hearty chili sauce that’s steeped in Southern West Virginia tradition. Imagine a rich, savory blend with just the right hint of spice—a sauce that transforms an ordinary hot dog into an unforgettable meal. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug from home.
Why You’ll Love Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about slathering a sauce on your hot dog—it’s about celebrating a regional favorite that has been perfected over generations. Whether you’re firing up a backyard barbecue or looking for that perfect topping to jazz up your lunch, this chili sauce delivers deep, smoky flavors and a satisfying kick. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Versatile: Perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, or even as a dip.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
- Quick and Easy: A straightforward recipe that comes together with minimal fuss.
- Customizable: Tweak the spice level to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A sure-fire hit that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients in Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce
Here’s the magic behind this bold sauce—each ingredient contributes its own unique note to create a harmonious, rich flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.
Ground Beef
Adds a hearty, meaty base that brings depth to the sauce.
Onion
Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the sauce with robust, savory flavor.
Tomato Paste
Concentrates the tomato essence, creating a rich, tangy depth.
Diced Tomatoes
Introduce freshness and balance to the sauce’s intensity.
Beef Broth
Enhances the savory profile and helps meld the flavors together.
Brown Sugar
A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity and spice.
Chili Powder
Delivers that essential warm kick characteristic of Southern recipes.
Cumin
Adds an earthy, aromatic layer to the blend.
Paprika
For a hint of smokiness that elevates the overall flavor.
Salt and Pepper
Essential seasonings to taste, tying all the flavors together.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this authentic Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce:
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a bit of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant.
Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until it’s browned all over. Break it up as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Stir in Tomato Paste and Spices
Mix in the tomato paste along with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for a minute to unlock their flavors.
Add Diced Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, letting the flavors meld together.
Sweeten the Blend
Stir in a bit of brown sugar to balance the acidity and add a subtle sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop a rich, deep flavor.
Final Adjustments
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving over your favorite hot dog.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 180 calories
(Note: The full nutrition details are provided in the recipe card.)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce
This sauce is incredibly versatile. Drizzle it generously over freshly grilled hot dogs for a hearty meal, or serve it as a dipping sauce alongside your favorite finger foods. It’s also fantastic spooned over burgers, mixed into spaghetti, or even enjoyed as a robust topping for baked potatoes.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
- Let the sauce simmer a bit longer for a thicker, more concentrated flavor.
- Prepare the sauce a day ahead—the flavors deepen overnight for an even more satisfying taste.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
FAQ’s
- Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or extra veggies. - What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth to keep the flavor rich. - Can this sauce be frozen?
Absolutely, freeze it in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. - How thick should the sauce be?
It should be thick enough to cling to a hot dog but still saucy—adjust simmering time as needed. - Can I add extra vegetables?
Sure, adding bell peppers or corn can give a nice texture and extra flavor. - Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick by default, but you can amp up the heat by adding more chili powder or hot peppers. - How do I know when the beef is properly browned?
The meat should be uniformly brown with no pink spots, and the fat should render out nicely. - Can I use canned tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes?
Yes, canned tomatoes work well—just drain a bit if you prefer a thicker sauce. - What’s the best way to reheat the sauce?
Warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. - How long does this sauce last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep well for up to 4 days.
CONCLUSION
Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce is more than just a condiment—it’s a celebration of bold, savory flavors that elevate any meal. With its hearty blend of spices, tender ground beef, and rich tomato base, this sauce is sure to become your go-to topping for hot dogs and more. So, gather your ingredients, simmer up a batch, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern tradition. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Southern West Virginia Hot Dog Chili Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Enough for 8-10 hot dogs
- Category: Condiment, Sauce, Hot Dog Topping
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Description
A robust and savory chili sauce inspired by Southern West Virginia, perfect for topping hot dogs. This hearty sauce delivers bold flavors with a slight kick, enhancing any hot dog experience.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup water (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. If the sauce becomes too thick, add water to reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot over your favorite hot dogs.
Notes
– For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
– The sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated; reheat before serving.
– This recipe works well with ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 cup per serving
- Calories: Approximately 80 calories per serving
- Sugar: Approximately 6g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 350mg per serving
- Fat: Approximately 5g per serving
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 2g per serving
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 3g per serving
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8g per serving
- Fiber: Approximately 1g per serving
- Protein: Approximately 4g per serving
- Cholesterol: Approximately 15mg per serving